Lemp Impostor Exposed

I wanted to warn my readers that there is a man that had been going around claiming to be a member of the Lemp family, and was even making some modest money off of his reputed identity. Myself and many other professional historians in St. Louis had known for several years of his fraud, but we lacked the unified narrative that Jeannette Cooperman so masterfully wove together between all of the different people who had interacted with him. Read the results of her research and interviews in her article, “The Last Lemp” at St. Louis Magazinehere.

Chris Naffziger

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6 Comments

Hi, Chris. Thanks for spreading the word about Andrew Paulsen and his fraud. As the author of a book about this family (Lemp: The Haunting History), I have been very interested in this story, and have been involved to some extent for the past two years. I have even been attacked by Paulsen via social media for agreeing with the actual Lemp descendant in New York who first exposed him. Now if we can just figure out how to squelch the ever-persistent rumors of the “Monkey Boy.”

Good to hear from you, Stephen. For my readers interested in learning more about the Lemp family, “Lemp: The Haunting History” is the best resource out there, and I highly recommend it. I believe a new edition is coming out soon?

Greetings Stephen,
I recently met with Chris Naffziger and learned so much about the Lemp family. My wife (Not an impersonator) is the Great Grandaughter of Katheryn Handlan Trautz. Her sister was Lillian Handlan Lemp. Katheryn Handlan Buder was her grandmother and as far as we know the only non blood member of the Lemp family mentioned in the Will & Trust. We believe Katheryn spent time living with William and Lillian as her mother had marital problems and her daughter was passed around a bit as a child. If there is any information you might share it would be deeply appreciated.
Tim

I did publish a second edition a few years ago, with updates to some of the information, some new family photos, and new ghost stories. I’m not planning any major revisions in the foreseeable future. However, I do have another book in the works, which will be a compilation of ghost stories.

Chris – I saw your link to the article via FB – it was just fascinating! Thanks!
Paulsen’s efforts seem to be a lot of work for what seems like modest returns – and of interest to mainly StL residents.

I’ve been intrigued by the Lemp family ever since I can remember. My love of all things Lemp turned me into a fool. I was this man’s friend on Facebook for over 2 years and fell hook, line, and sinker for his lies. Came awfully close to meeting him in person…so thankful I didn’t. He is apparently rather deranged.

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PATINA

Pronunciation:
\pə-ˈtē-nə, ˈpa-tə-nə\
1 a: a usually green film formed naturally on copper and bronze by long exposure or artificially (as by acids) and often valued aesthetically for its color b: a surface appearance of something grown beautiful especially with age or use; 2: an appearance or aura that is derived from association, habit, or established character; 3: a superficial covering or exterior